Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe - Savory Simple (2024)

This buttermilk ranch dressing recipe comes together in no time, and it tastes incredibly light and fresh compared to bottled versions! With just a few simple ingredients, a bowl, and a whisk, you can create a creamy, standout dressing or veggie dipper. What are you waiting for? Make this!

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m not a big fan of bottled ranch dressing. I actually dislike most bottled dressings, especially the creamy ones. When Jeff originally suggested I create a buttermilk ranch dressing recipe, I wasn’t into the idea at all.

It’s not that I don’t like the flavor of ranch. Cool Ranch Doritos will forever be one of my guilty pleasures, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Also, these buttermilk ranch french fries are one of my favorite snacks.

However, when I think of bottled ranch dressing, I think of something that I don’t want anywhere near my salad greens. I associate it with something heavy and processed (but not in a delicious processed way like my precious Doritos).

Jeff assured me that I just needed to experience a homemade version of buttermilk ranch dressing like the kind he’d enjoyed growing up. I was skeptical, but I also love buttermilk, and homemade is often very different. Why not?

He was right! This buttermilk ranch dressing is nothing like what I was expecting. You get tanginess from the buttermilk and sour cream, and the fresh herbs shine through without overpowering. It’s not overly heavy or thick, and you can ultimately control the texture and seasonings. I’m a convert!

Recipe Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Sour cream
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• Garlic
• Sweet paprika
• Fresh dill
• Fresh chives
• Fresh parsley

How to Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

This recipe is so easy, you’ll never want to buy the bottled stuff again. Here’s what you do.

Step 1: Chop up the fresh herbs

Could you get away with using dried herbs? I’m sure you can, and I bet you’ll find plenty of recipes online that use them. Keep in mind that dried herbs and spices usually have a more condensed flavor, so it wouldn’t be a 1-for-1 substitution in this recipe,

Step 2: Whisk all of the ingredients together

That’s it. After this, simply pour the dressing over a delicious salad, or store it in the refrigerator to enjoy later (up to 4 days).

Recipe Notes

• In addition to working with salad, this buttermilk ranch dressing works as a veggie dip. It will thicken up in the refrigerator as it chills. You can also reduce the amount of buttermilk slightly for a thicker consistency (try using 1/2 cup, then more as needed until the desired consistency is reached). If you do this, wait to add the salt and pepper until the end because you may want to use less.
• Please don’t use buttermilk powder or buttermilk substitute for this recipe. Use real buttermilk!
• Many buttermilk ranch dressing recipes use mayo, or a combination of both mayonnaise and sour cream. I prefer using all sour cream here; I don’t like the way mayonnaise tastes in salad dressing. If you want to add in some mayo, I recommend swapping out 1/4 of the sour cream (so 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup mayonnaise total).

Looking For More Salad Dressing Recipes?

You might also like my Honey Mustard Dressing, Cilantro Lime Dressing, Tahini Dressing, Basil Peppercorn Vinaigrette, and All Purpose Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette! I also love this Thousand Island Dressing from Simply Recipes.